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• Revolutionize Your Database - Fix Messy Data and Build a Strong Foundation

  • When
    13 Jan 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87854103030?pwd=WejDV4e2shzee4gb4SLjIcOQa5XJJJ.1
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  Do you trust the data quality of your database? Do you ever pull a list of donors and question the validity or accuracy of the data? You are not alone. In a competitive fundraising environment, it can be challenging to build a pipeline of future donors, but some of your best prospects might be hiding in your database. In this hands-on workshop, attendees will be guided through ways to identify messy data, how to build a plan for cleaning the data, and strategies for building processes and procedures for not only keeping data clean but using it to prospect for new donors. Participants will be challenged to think about ROI of cleaning certain aspects of the database, no matter what database system they use. As you prepare for this session, take this data self- assessment to see how accurate YOUR donor database is.

  
  

  Speaker Bio: 

  Stephanie Willis - Senior Manager of Prospect Development, Creative Fundraising Advisors: Stephanie is passionate about helping nonprofits understand how to effectively use data and research to enhance fundraising. She has over ten years of experience in prospect research, prospect management, and data analytics at both higher education and nonprofit organizations. Stephanie is the author of the upcoming book, The Art and Science Approach to Fundraising Data and Research (Amplify Publishing Group, 2026). At Creative Fundraising Advisors, Stephanie’s main responsibilities are establishing strategy, procedures, and processes for the areas of prospect research, prospect management, and data analytics, while also providing operational support for client campaign and fundraising initiatives.

  Stephanie is Blackbaud certified in Raiser’s Edge NXT and Raiser’s Edge, and has a master’s degree in library science. Additionally, she is a Gallup-certified Strengths coach and enjoys helping others understand, apply, and integrate CliftonStrengths results into their lives and work. Stephanie has also been an Apra member and volunteer since 2013. For six years, she served on the Apra Indiana Board in roles including webmaster, programming chair, treasurer, and vice president. In 2019, Stephanie co-founded the Apra Great Lakes chapter to launch a new regional experience for local state chapters. She has been a regular attendee and speaker at the annual Apra PD conference and served on the Curriculum Planning Committee for three years. Stephanie is currently serving on the Apra International Board and is the President of the Apra Foundation.

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• Virtual Book Tour: Prospect Management: The Essential Guide by Ruthie Giles

  • When
    10 Feb 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88458451047?pwd=R6HWTqqe1X7HV2fRmuqb8QBVrEm2TS.1

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  Virtual Book Tour: Prospect Management: The Essential Guide by Ruthie Giles

   

  Join us for a special stop on the virtual book tour of Prospect Management: The
  Essential Guide for a High Functioning Nonprofit Prospect Management System, the
  first comprehensive guide of its kind in the nonprofit sector. Written by Ruthie Giles, a
  nationally recognized expert in prospect management, the book offers a deep dive into key areas such as portfolio optimization, managing donor pipeline stages, and
  effectively partnering with gift officers. With decades of hands-on experience, Ruthie
  brings clarity, structure, and actionable insight into a critical but often overlooked area of fundraising operations.

  During this engaging session, Ruthie will share the story behind writing the book, her
  passion for building sustainable prospect management systems, and her vision for
  where the field is headed. Whether you’ve already read the book or are just discovering it, this is a valuable opportunity to bring your questions, challenges, and curiosity. Expect a lively, practical conversation—and walk away with ideas and solutions you can start applying right away.

  A renowned thought leader in the field of prospect management, Ruthie Giles has
  worked in prospect research and prospect management since 2000. She has spoken on the topic of prospect management at APRA, CASE and NEDRA conferences, as well as to regional nonprofit professional groups. She is the author of Prospect Management: The Essential Guide for a High Functioning Nonprofit Prospect Management System (2025). Ruthie has held positions at Springfield Community College, University of New Hampshire, Westfield State University, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, The Loomis Chaffee School, and the Williston Northampton School. She is a former Board of Director member of the New England Development Research Association.

  
  

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